Suppression of relative flow by multiple domains in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates

TL;DR

This study explores how multiple domain formation in immiscible two-component Bose-Einstein condensates significantly suppresses relative flow, revealing new insights into their fluid dynamics and stability under magnetic field gradients.

Contribution

It demonstrates that spontaneous domain formation in immiscible BECs drastically alters their flow properties, especially suppressing relative motion between components.

Findings

Spontaneous domain formation changes fluidity in two-component BECs.

Magnetic field gradients induce stable layered configurations.

Relative flow is suppressed after domain formation.

Abstract

We investigate flow properties of immiscible Bose-Einstein condensates composed of two different Zeeman spin states of 87Rb. Spatially overlapping two condensates in the optical trap are prepared by application of a resonant radio frequency pulse, and then the magnetic field gradient is applied in order to produce the atomic flow. We find that the spontaneous multiple domain formation arising from the immiscible nature drastically changes the fluidity. The homogeneously overlapping condensates readily separate under the magnetic field gradient, and they form stable configuration composed of the two layers. In contrast, the relative flow between two condensates are largely suppressed in the case where the magnetic field gradient is applied after spontaneous domain formation.